USDA-ARS Spring​/Summer High School Research Internships in Entomology

How to Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

4/24/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Maricopa, Arizona. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.

Participants in the internship program will gain invaluable first-hand experience under the mentorship of PhD-level scientists in experimental design, application of various entomological and molecular research techniques, and data analysis. Opportunities for active participation include:

• Experimental Support:
  Help in rearing biological specimens, maintaining cultures, field sampling, and sample preparation.
• Data Management:
  Record observations, enter data into analysis software packages, and help in preliminary statistical analyses.
• Applied Research:
  Help with microscopy imaging and basic molecular techniques.

At the end of the internship, participants will have gained real-world lab skills and experience with common scientific techniques, mentorship from researchers who are leaders in their respective fields, and a deeper understanding of the types of careers possible in science.

The mentor for this opportunity is Joe Hull (joe.hull). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

March 1, 2026 (start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors).

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

The appointment is part time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,440-$2,000 monthly.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program.

Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Pacific West and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a high school diploma or GED and be interested in one of the relevant fields.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  High School Diploma/GED.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Bio-organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Age:
  Must be 16 years of age